Gibson: “… hope that we
made a difference …”
NEW PALTZ – The New York chapter of the non-profit, governmental reform organization Common Cause held an open exit interview, Monday evening, with Congressman Chris Gibson (R- NY 19), who is retiring at the end of the year.
The interview, at SUNY New Paltz, touched on topics ranging from the president-elect’s cabinet choices, environmental policy of the new administration, governmental corruption, the “LLC Loophole,” and public healthcare, to Common Core and international relations.
Gibson said he has no regrets about his self-imposed term limit and is proud of the work his office has done in the district, specifically with regards to his hope of having been the example to reinforce the public’s faith in self-governing and transparency within elected office.
“I hope that between working hard for people, listening, doing constituent driven legislation, case studying regardless of who voted for me, and being accountable and transparent: sleeping on the floor in my office, returning my pension, being the same regular guy that grew up in Kinderhook, I hope that people realize you don’t have to be a billionaire, you don’t have to know billionaires,” said Gibson. “You can do this. We can do this, and I hope that we made a difference on that.”
Gibson will be followed by Republican Congressional-elect John Faso.
“I think he’s going to do a fine job and I think he’s got enough experience,” said Gibson. “He’s seen the way I’ve operated. I’ve seen what he’s said in the media. He appreciated the way I operated, that I listened to people and I traveled far and wide and did my best to give a voice to people, and from what I heard him say is that plans to be very similar in his style. I have every faith that he’s going to do a tremendous job for us.”
Although Gibson is leaving public office, he will be staying busy. He will be teaching as a professor of Leadership and Political Change, as well as of Politics of U.S. National Security, at William’s College. He also has a book due out next fall.
